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Implementing randomized experiments in criminal justice settings: an evaluation of multi-systemic therapy in the Netherlands

Journal

Journal of Experimental Criminology

Volume | Issue number

3 | 2

Pages (from-to)

113-129

Document type

Article

Faculty

Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences (FMG)

Institute

Psychology Research Institute (PsyRes)

Abstract

This paper addresses several issues that we encountered when implementinga randomized experiment to evaluate a promising
intervention for serious juveniledelinquents, multi-systemic therapy (MST). The issues overlap with issues othersexperienced
when trying to conduct randomized experiments in clinical practice, butare complicated because MST takes place in a legal
context. The complex juvenilejustice system makes it difficult to come up with a simple system of randomization.Problems
encountered are the complexity of the referral process in this type ofintervention, legal issues and the ethical concerns
raised by clinicians. Our experiencesmight be useful to others planning to carry out a randomized efficacy study within
thejuvenile justice system. Firstly, other researchers might feel supported if they realizethat others experience
similar problems, and, secondly, we provide some concretesuggestions concerning the following: selecting the procedures
and determining themoment of randomization, dealing with and overcoming the resistance of institutionsinvolved,
maintaining the cooperation of both the institution and the sample, andkeeping turnover of research staff to a minimum.

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